Cincinnati Chili(Served Over Spaghetti)
A hearty Cincinnati chili served over spaghetti, featuring rich flavors of ground beef, spices, and a hint of cocoa, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 2 pounds lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped or minced ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cocoa ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Stir and cook until the ground beef is thoroughly cooked.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve over spaghetti and top with kidney beans, chopped onions, and grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef separately before adding it to the pot. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter alternative. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference, or mix in a bit of smoked paprika for added depth. This Cincinnati Chili recipe pairs beautifully with other American recipes for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cincinnati Chili over cooked spaghetti for a classic presentation, and garnish with kidney beans, chopped onions, and grated Cheddar cheese for added texture and flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an authentic touch, consider serving it with a sprinkle of oyster crackers on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cincinnati Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. The flavors deepen after a day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cincinnati Chili(Served Over Spaghetti) contains roughly 1435 calories, with 66g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely for a milder chili. Alternatively, add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. Always taste and adjust as needed during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).